Category: Residential

General Contractors, Subcontractors, Builders: Who should I hire?

When constructing a new home, deciding who to hire can be a time-consuming process. You want to be sure you hire someone who is trustworthy, does quality work, and sticks to budgets and timelines. But who exactly do you need?

General Contractors

General contractors (GC) can be an individual or an entire company, and oversee the entire construction site. They are hired for both residential and commercial projects. The first responsibility of a GC is to make an estimate of the entire project including the cost of materials, labor, and any subcontractors that will be needed. From there, a project manager will oversee the project, communicate with the homeowner, ensure materials are ordered and delivered on time, and oversee subcontractors. A big benefit to hiring a general contractor is they already have built a pool of subcontractors they trust. In addition, subcontractors will often consider projects for a contractor as a priority over a job for a homeowner. To learn about Horton Group as a general contractor, click here.

Subcontractors

Subcontractors are typically skilled in one specific trade, such as tile, drywall, insulation, or roofing. Subcontractors fill their contract directly with the contractor, so you do not need to worry about hiring each different subcontractor if you have a general contractor. If you are only updating one part of a room, such as installing new tile flooring, you may want to hire a subcontractor to complete the job.

Builders

A builder, like a general contractor, will see the project through from start to finish. The difference is that a builder often has a crew to complete the construction work, from foundation to roof, subcontracting only for specialists like electricians and plumbers. They also manage the project and communicate with the homeowner throughout the process.

No matter who you hire, you are entrusting another person or company to carry out your vision. Be sure to communicate your vision, budget, and timeline clearly so the outcome is what you want.

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Commercial Grade Elevators – What is best for your building?

Horton Group has built and renovated many commercial buildings, including offices, banks, and retail shopping centers. We put an emphasis on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards in all our projects. Commercial buildings with more than one floor generally require an elevator according to ADA standards.

Depending on the size of the commercial building, there are different types of elevators that may work for your building. Passenger elevators and LULA elevators are what you see most often in commercial buildings.

Passenger Elevators

Passenger elevators are what you typically think of in high rise buildings. As the name suggests, these elevators are designed for carrying passengers. Most passenger elevators have up to a 5,000lb weight limit, although they can hold up to 10,000lbs. Passenger elevators can be in-ground hydraulic, hole-less hydraulic, or MRL.

LULA Elevators

LULA stands for Limited Use/Limited Application. LULA elevators are similar to full-size passenger elevators in design, with two sliding doors as an entrance. They can typically hold up to 1,400lbs, travel up to 25 feet high, and have up to 18 square feet of floor space. LULA elevators are a good option in a low rise commercial or residential building, as they save both space and money.

Consider how many floors in the building, as well as the number of people who will utilize the elevators each day when choosing which elevator to use in your commercial project.

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What are Common Areas?

Common areas are the areas of a condominium, apartment, or townhouse complex that are shared by all residents.

Some of the most basic common areas include parking lots, hallways, and shared laundry facilities. Depending on the complex, common areas can also include a fitness center, pool, or clubhouse. Because these areas are shared between all residents, the cost of upkeep and repair comes from Condo Association or HOA fees.

When setting our vision for Residences at 66 High Street, we knew we wanted to provide luxury condominiums with luxury common areas. Great care has been given to creating the outdoor environment. The landscaping and underground utilities allow for unobstructed views of the salt marsh and Long Island Sound, with thirty-foot trees strategically placed for privacy. All units face an intimate courtyard to create a sense of unity throughout the community.

In addition, a state of the art Fitness Room is located in the Whitfield Building and features top of the line equipment from Peloton, Life Fitness, and Hammer Strength. Residents will soon be able to enjoy a pool, which has the final approval to be built.

Common areas are also found in office buildings. The professional campus at 350 Goose Lane Office Park features three buildings of office space. The outside common areas include the parking lots, outdoor courtyard, and landscaped property. Formerly home to Wilber & King Nursery, the Horton Group kept the integrity of the grounds for ample green space, complete with a pond. Inside, the common areas of the buildings include the hallways, staircases, elevators, and bathrooms.

Common areas can be as important to residents and business owners as the individual units. By creating common spaces that are both functional and beautiful, people are more apt to feel like they are part of a community.

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What is Radiant Heat?

Stepping out of a relaxing hot shower or bath onto a cold tile floor can send chills up anybody’s spine. Imagine, instead, of stepping onto heated tile that keeps your feet and toes warm and comfortable. With radiant heated floors, this is possible.

Radiant heating systems lie under tile or stone, allowing heat to be directly supplied to the floor you walk on. This is the ultimate way to give your bathroom a spa-like feel. In our luxury condo units at 66 High Street, every bathroom has radiant heat under tile from Tile America.

There are three types of radiant heat systems: hydronic-based, forced air, and electric radiant heating. Hydronic based is the most popular and efficient and works by carrying hot water through tubes installed under floors. One nice feature about radiant heat is that it can be installed in a portion of a room, for instance, just in front of the bathroom vanity.

Although radiant heat can be pricey to install, the benefits may outweigh the cost. Benefits include:

Evenly Distributed Heat

With radiant floors, heat is more evenly distributed throughout the room. With typical forced hot air, the heat quickly rises, leaving the bottom of the room and floors cold. With radiant heated floors, the heat begins at the ground and naturally rises to heat the rest of the room, which keeps your feet and toes warm.

No Noise

Radiant heat is completely silent. No sounds are coming from the radiator or forced air vents. You feel the warmth, without hearing the heating system.

You Can Install in a Portion of the Room

You can choose to install radiant heat in an entire room or just a portion with a pre-sized heating mat. If you want heated floors when you step out of the shower, you can opt for a rectangular space of radiant heat right in that spot. You could choose a different tile to highlight this heated area for a visual cue. This will also allow you to repair without ripping up the entire floor, since the heating system is permanently under the flooring.

Radiant heat adds a luxurious feel to any space. With options for installation and pre-selected sizes, it becomes an affordable addition.

What room do you want to install radiant heated floors in? Let us know in the comments!

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How Secure is a Multi-Home Building?

Despite the advantages of moving into a multi-home community, it is natural for residents to have concerns about security. With a steady flow of residents, visitors, workers, or mail and delivery services in close proximity to your home and belongings, it is important to be sure you and your belongings are safe.

In condominiums and apartment buildings, there are various ways to ensure a true sense of security. As listed on the Peace of Mind Technologies (POM) website, these might include:

  • Establishing a cooperative culture of security: All residents should establish clear expectations regarding security measures and take responsibility for the health and safety of the entire residential community. Cooperation is key.
  • Landscaping: Carefully manicured landscapes and green space help signal to visitors that the property is cared for and monitored.
  • Access control: POM suggests that key cards, rather than keys, are a great security measure as they can digitally log entry and exit into a given building.
  • Remote monitoring and remote access for deliveries: Security personnel can manage the flow of vendors or package deliveries and grant them access to a designated room for deliveries. Separating delivery traffic from residential traffic improves overall security.
  • Motion detectors: Similar to security measures like cameras and lights, motion detectors can be monitored remotely and sense intruders.

Our ongoing luxury condominium project – The Residences at 66 High Street – has adopted similar methods for enhancing security.

For one, current and future residents at High Street make up an unbelievably caring and trustworthy community. The landscaping is also constantly maintained. As far as the building is concerned, there are cameras throughout the buildings to monitor all points of entry. In order to enter the building, residents are given a unit-specific code to enter on a keypad. Additionally, each residence comes equipped with cameras in the foyer and security systems.

The opportunity to live at The Residence at 66 High Street and be within walking distance of historic downtown Guilford and the train station is one to be enjoyed. As it is our job to ensure this enjoyment, we want to do all we can to give residents peace of mind and make them feel safe in and away from home.

 

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What makes the Nest Thermostat stand out?

We think a home should be comfortable and cozy. The right temperature sets the tone for this. Smart thermostats keep your home at your ideal temperature, without taking away from the aesthetic of your space.

In 2010, after assuming significant roles in the design and development of the iPod, Tony Fadell and Matt Rogers founded Nest Labs. With the company’s founders experienced in revolutionizing one industry, Nest Labs sought similar success with the release of their first product – the Nest Thermostat.

Aesthetically, the minimalist, circular design makes the thermostat handsome and sleek. Yet the product’s true beauty lies in Nest’s innovation and obvious care for its consumers. The smart technology within each unit establishes Nest as a clear industry leader.

The Nest Thermostat is programmed to adapt to consumers’ schedules, adjusting temperatures accordingly to provide optimal living conditions. The thermostat can easily be controlled by the Nest mobile app if on vacation or away from home. By investing in innovation and adaptive smart technology, buildings can achieve far greater energy efficiency and lower energy costs. According to Nest’s website, the estimated average annual savings falls between $131 and $145.

At Horton Group, we are steadfast in our commitment to energy efficiency, as our mission is to provide high quality and sustainable space to prospective buyers and tenants. Nest thermostats are included in every unit at our current luxury residential development, The Residences at 66 High Street. Similar to Nest thermostats, behind the aesthetic appeal of our projects, innovative systems are in place to ensure a comfortable, cost-efficient and sustainable way of life.

To learn more about the Nest Thermostat, click here.

 

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Emtek Hardware

When designing or remodeling, hardware plays an important role in the aesthetic of a space. Door knobs, locks, and even hinges all add to the overlook of both the exterior and interior of your home.

Emtek, a company with decades of experience designing door hardware, allows you to mix and match hardware to achieve the look you want. They offer over 100 types of hardware, with designs that range from traditional to contemporary to rustic. In addition, Emtek offers a variety of materials and finishes. To view Emtek products, click here.

Emtek is part of the Assa Abloy group, the “global leader in door opening solutions.” Emtek designs and assembles hardware for doors and cabinets in Southern California.

Security is another top priority when choosing door hardware. Emtek offers a variety of locks, including:

  • Electronic Locks
  • Tubular Entry Sets
  • Mortise Entry Sets
  • Deadbolts
  • Key in Knobs
  • Sideplate Locks

There are many manufacturers who consider design and security when it comes to hardware. So what makes Emtek standout? Along with exceptional craftsmanship, Emtek provides quality customer service and is committed to sustainable practices. These are reasons Horton Group uses hardware products from Emtek in our development projects.

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What is Facilities Maintenance?

A lot of relief comes with the completion of a residential or commercial project. But what comes next? Even after brand new construction, there is a great deal of upkeep to consider in order to maintain the quality and integrity of the buildings and grounds. Facilities maintenance ensures both general maintenance and emergencies are taken care of by experts.

Including the facilities manager during the planning and construction phases is a good idea. This allows the facilities manager to provide input, helping to decide what products and materials will hold up best for the space and foot traffic. Once the building is complete, facilities maintenance performs routine services to prevent degradation. Services of facilities maintenance may include:

  • General building repairs
  • Routine exterior painting and painting of interior common spaces
  • Implementation of operating procedures
  • Safety code compliance

In addition, if an emergency should arise, facilities maintenance has the expertise and contacts to fix the problem. Horton Group provides facilities maintenance services for both residential and commercial developments. We know quality maintenance will prolong the aesthetic appeal and product longevity of any space.

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What is Hardie Board Siding?

hardie board siding

James Hardie was the first company to develop fiber cement siding and trim in the 1980’s. Since then, James Hardie has invested over $100 million in research, development, and product advancement. It is no wonder Hardie Board siding, just like the company, stands the test of time.

Longevity

James Hardie tests all siding and trim products against outdoor elements. This includes severe elements such as hurricanes, snowstorms, and fire, as well as more common elements including UV rays, rain, pests, and the changing of the seasons. James Hardie siding products come with a 30-year, non-prorated warranty, and trim products come with a 15-year, non-prorated warranty.

Region Specific Products

We all know that different climates have different weather elements, so James Hardie creates products for specific regions. Whether you live in a wet region, a state with freezing temperatures, or a hot and humid climate, the HardieZone® system will ensure you get the best type of siding for your region. Click here to enter your zip code and learn more.

Design

When it comes to real estate, we want it all – longevity and great design. Hardie Board siding and trim offers multiple options. Depending on your preferences, you can keep a traditional look, or create a modern aesthetic. James Hardie products also use ColorPlus® Technology, which helps keep color bright and fresh.

When building The Residences at 66 High Street, we knew we wanted superior quality, luxury appeal, and products that last. This is why we chose James Hardie products for our siding and trim.

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What’s it like living at 66 High Street?

Residences at 66 High Street
Kathy Moniello, a resident at The Residences at 66 High Street, shares her experience of living in one of the luxury condominiums in Guilford. 

After selling an oceanfront home in Westbrook, Kathy moved to High Street in December 2017. “Because I was leaving something so beautiful, I knew I couldn’t settle,” she said. The Residences at 66 High Street have not disappointed.

“Everytime I pull in and see the beautiful grounds and walk to my unit, I feel joy and pride in ownership.” 

From the high-end units, to the friendly and supportive residents, to the helpful team at The Horton Group, Kathy has settled in to a new life in Guilford.

The high-end look and feel of 66 High Street, including the property, amenities, and individual units, is something Kathy appreciates. Within her unit, she loves the top of the line appliances, ample storage, and ability to customize to her needs and style. With the fitness room being completed, residents are bringing in a personal trainer for group classes a few times a week. Kathy is also looking forward to the proposed pool.

It’s easy to be captivated by a luxurious unit, but when paired with incredible neighbors, that unit becomes home. “I don’t know how we have attracted so many wonderful people,” says Kathy. The residents help each other out, spend time with each other, and have created a strong bond. “Last week,” she says, “we were all out with our dogs, then before you know it everyone went to get a bottle of wine. Someone got the pizza they were making, and we were all over at my unit having a little party.”

The Horton Group has spared no expense building the Residences at 66 High Street.

“They have been amazing throughout the entire process,” Kathy explained. “Whether it is Earl, Kenny, or Jason, they want the very best outcome.”

Kathy’s unit was completely finished when she bought it, but she wanted to make some changes, including switching to a stackable washer dryer and installing a central vac system. “This can be difficult to do post construction, but instead of saying, ‘It can’t be done,’ Jason came in, looked at what I wanted and said, ‘This is how we can make it happen.’”

By paying attention to every detail during the development, building, and marketing of 66 High Street, The Horton Group built more than luxury condominiums. They built an unparalleled community. And it was just what Kathy was searching for.

 

Interested in the Residences at 66 High Street? Schedule a showing today.
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